King Willem-Alexander gives up IOC seat

The Netherlands is hoping another Dutchman will be allowed
to take the seat vacated by King Willem-Alexander in the International Olympic
Committee. The name of KLM CEO Camiel Eurlings, a former minister of transport, has been forwarded by
the Dutch to succeed Willem-Alexander.

The king had to give up his seat under an agreement with the
Dutch government at the time he sought membership in the international sporting
body. The functions of head of state and IOC-member do not mix, at least
not according to The Hague.

Monaco’s Prince Albert II and Luxembourg’s Grand Duke Henri
remained members after their accession to the throne.

Willem-Alexander invited IOC-president Jacques Rogge to his
investiture and the Dutch forwarded the name of Mr Eurlings as a possible
replacement for the king. The IOC decides early September at its meeting in
Buenos Aires where also the host city for the 2020 Olympics will be chosen.

Istanbul, Tokyo and Madrid are the contenders, with Madrid having lost out for
2012 and 2016. Last month Spain’s Prince Felipe accompanied Madrid’s delegation
to a presentation at IOC’s HQ in Lausanne.